Mark Gilman Kervin

Mark Kervin, 69, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2021 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, SD after a short, difficult battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.  He was surrounded by family and listening to Bob Marley as he passed.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Aberdeen, with Fr. Andrew Dickinson officiating.

Burial is at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and also view the service at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, at the mortuary with a liturgical wake and rosary at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation continues one hour before Mass at the church.

Mark was born in Aberdeen, SD on January 30, 1952 to Owen Bernard and Priscilla June (Willson) Kervin.  When Mark was four his parents died in an automobile accident.  Mark and his three siblings joined the Robert and Carroll (Willson) Burckhard family where they then became one large family of 14.  He attended Sacred Heart Elementary and Middle School and graduated from Roncalli High School in 1970.  After high school, Mark worked for Control Data (where he met several lifelong friends), Seagate Technology, and finally FedEx where he was still employed at the time of his passing.

Mark was loved by so many.  He had a gift to bring smiles with his words, humor and laugh.  He personalized his vehicle license plates to “8675309” because he thought it would make people smile.  He loved the ocean, the beach, and telling stories of his trips to Jamaica.  More recently, Mark enjoyed watching sports, playing golf and being with his Sacred Heart Church family.  Mostly, Mark cherished his trips to Florida to spend time with his son, Owen.

Mark also had a deep love for his work.  Mark was a dedicated employee for FedEx for over 20 years.  He was loved by his co-workers, customers, and took very seriously his commitment to deliver the “purple promise”.  Outside of work, Mark’s greatest joys came from his children: Jesse, Matthew and Owen; and his grandchildren: Sierra Soul Kervin and Bryson James Kervin.  He spent countless hours playing catch, joking, and laughing with them.  All of Mark’s family and friends feel blessed for having our time with him.

Grateful for sharing his life are his children: Jesse (Sarah) Kervin of Aberdeen, Matthew Kervin of Aberdeen, Owen Kervin of Ormond Beach, FL; Grandchildren: Sierra Kervin of Aberdeen and Bryson Kervin of Faulkton, SD; Siblings: Scott (Bobbi) Kervin of Holiday Island, AR, Dawn (Randy) Jones of Corvallis, OR, Merry Carroll Schaller of West Hills, CA, Peter (Marolyn) Burckhard of Alma, WI, Mary Beth (Jeff) Prouty of Eden Prairie, MN, Maggie (Darrell) Becker of Port Orchard, WA; friend Jacque Kervin of Aberdeen; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents: Owen and Priscilla Kervin, Robert and Carroll Burckhard; brothers: Joel Kervin, Wally Burckhard, John (Bum) Burckhard, Kelly Burckhard; Sister: Bobby June (Burckhard) Hintz; and family friend: Chet McPhee.

Pallbearers are Joel Burckhard, Ryan Cordie, Jason Hopfinger, Randy Jones, Scott Kervin and Peter Burckhard. Honorary pallbearers are all of Mark’s Fedex family.

The deepest of thanks go out to Mary Beth and Jacque who tirelessly and compassionately cared for Mark in his final weeks.

Rest easy Mark, your work here is done.  You will be truly, truly missed by many.  “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

Memorials are preferred to be sent to Sacred Heart Church, 502 2nd Ave. SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
502 2nd Avenue SE, Aberdeen SD 57401
Tel: 1-605-225-7065